Best area in Maui
 

Two couples are going to Maui in May. Which area is the best area for a hotel and beach? Wailea or Lahaina? Is one area windier than the other? And any recommendations on hotels? Would appreciate any information. Thanks

My vote is Lahaina... more action in that area for two couples......

I haven't been to Wailea and I know it has many fans on this site, but we loved our last two stays on the beach in Kaanapali. We rented a beachfront apartment at Kaanapali Ali'i, which might be one of the nicest places we've ever stayed. It was a really perfect vacation, with the beach only steps away, a couple of good restaurants within walking distance, and the town of Lahaina a quick 10 minute drive. I'd recommend it highly!

I prefer the Wailea and Makena area as I think the beaches are pretty wonderful and the snorkeling can be fantastic at almost all the beaches along that stretch of coastline. My understanding is that Wailea tends to be drier than areas in West Maui, but I am sure that can be debated.

I think it depends on what you're looking for. I have stayed at both and absolutely prefer Wailea. Both areas are beautiful and have awesome beaches. For me, Wailea is quieter. We don't need the nightlife and the bustle of Lahaina.
For two couples it might be fun to rent a condo. We got a lovely 2 bedroom through www.vrbo.com.

I am a parttime resident of Maui and always prefer lovely, classy, relaxing Wailea to frenetic Lahaina!

I think I need to get off the beach and visit Wailea next time!

Lahaina/Kaanapali gets my vote.

As a Chicagolander that goes 1-2 times/yr...Lahaina/Kapalua for sure. I can only guess that those who choose Wailea visit when I do

It depends on what you are looking for. If you like large skyscraper condos and crowds, Kaanapali. If you prefer fewer crowds, Wailea.

I like the shopping in Lahaina but that's about it. Also, you often get stuck in traffic heading to Lahaina and Kaanapali.

Do you know what "hyperbole" means? :-)

West Maui Lahaina Kaanapali. However be aware. Maui News Feb 17 2010. Activity, restaurant prices are hurting visitors

A tourism executive said, "We haven't seen such revenue and visitor declines in Maui since we've been keeping records."

A fresh sign of the woes are being unleashed by a Maui economy mired in boom-time pricing marketing and the Great Recession.

Those vacationing on Maui are, unfortunately, not finding ways to reduce their restaurant and activities expenses once here. Visitor confidence in finding reasonably priced activities and restaurants in Lahaina/Kaanapali is exceptionally low.

Next year will not be any better than this year if the needs of visitors cannot be met.

To sf7307:
Is a "hyperbole" a really really fast bole?

:-)

We loved Wailea - thought it was really beautiful and romantic, a lot of upscale hotels in that area, gorgeous beaches, and good snorkeling.

Wailea gets our vote. Too many times in spring and fall we have had to drive from Kaanapali/ Kapalua to Wailea to get out of the rain.

We stay at Elua Village - lovely condos with a beachside pool on Uloa beach. Really good snorkeling right there in the morning. The last time we were there we saw both an octopus and two eels fighting. In addition, if you swim way out where you will usually see some kayaks, there is a turtle "cleaning station." There are several turtles far below on the sandy bottom and you can float there and watch them slowly circle up to the surface. We saw a spotted eagle ray do the same at the same spot. The wind picks up in the late afternoon. There is an upscale shopping center where the little Whaler's Village used to be and I don't know how I feel about that. Guess it's called progress.

As many have already said, it depends on your tastes.

Lahaina: Nightlife, more choices in shopping, restaurants, more "touristy" things to do in general with Kaanapali, Kapalua nearby.

Wailea: Better weather (Lahaina side is more rainy, but not "spoiling the vacation" bad), more quiet, in general a bit more "upscale." Closer to Maui towns of Kahului/Kihei/Paia (for some local flavor). Closer to Haleakala and the "upcountry" areas.

We live in Hawaii and don't really care for the nightlife and busyness, so we always try to stay in Wailea.